Former world footballer of the year George Weah has called on the Confederation of African Football (Caf) to allow Morocco to host the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations at a later date in order to avoid a spread of the Ebola virus disease.
Morocco has asked for a postponement to make sure all safety measures are in place.
Caf responded by setting Morocco a deadline of November 8 to decide whether it wants to remain host as concerns continue over the effect of Ebola in three west African countries, including Weah’s Liberia.
Former footballer turned politician Weah, however, believes it is unfair to put a timescale on such a decision – and hopes common sense will prevail.
“Let us be positive about everything. We are aware of the fact that the world is experiencing the [Ebola] epidemic and it is something nobody should handle with levity and we should all fight very hard to eradicate it in our midst,” Weah told journalists in Abuja.
“I hail from a country where Ebola has killed thousands of people. So the best thing to do is to take precautions.
“If Morocco need time to put precautionary plans in place to ensure that those players and officials that would come for the Afcon are safe, then let’s give the country time to achieve this.
“I think that is the right thing to do. We should be helping Morocco to put in place measures that will ensure the safety of those that would participate in the competition.
“So if Morocco wants extended dates for us to be safe when we come for the Nations Cup then let’s give them the extension of date.
“Everybody loves this game and nobody wants to go to the Nations Cup and come back dead.”
Caf has said it would announce a new host if Morocco decide against hosting the competition that is scheduled to take place between January 17-February 8, 2015.
